Trade Rumors, Lockout Talk Heat Up as NBA Draft Approaches

NBA trade rumors will circulate throughout Thursday's draft, as tends to happen every year. In fact, they could be the last trade rumors for some time, if the NBA is locked out at the end of the month. For now, teams have to act fast and get a good deal while they still can, with the draft serving as their last, best opportunity.

Most of the buzz centers around the Cleveland Cavaliers, and what the club will do with the No. 4 pick. Since the Cavaliers are already set to get Kyrie Irving at No. 1, do they need another player from this year's much maligned class, or will they trade for an established professional to help Irving? Cleveland has been rumored to be in a dealing mood, but nothing concrete has been established yet.

But aside from the Cavaliers, there could be others looking to make substantial moves during the draft. In fact, none other than Steve Nash and Tony Parker have been dangled as bait by the Suns and Spurs, which would have seemed impossible years ago. However, Nash and Parker aren't what they used to be, and neither are the Suns and Spurs in general.

If Phoenix and San Antonio want to deal their old superstars and start over, this would be the biggest window to do it before the lockout leaves them stuck. Yet Phoenix's President of Basketball Operations, Lon Babby, assured that they are not trading Nash or Marcin Gortat, according to the Associated Press. Still, these rumblings could become a key subplot to start Thursday's action.

The Suns and Spurs could use a new youth movement if the perennial contenders hope to keep pace with the NBA's new order. For others like the Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards, they have a longer way to go to reach the top. As such, they not only need to draft correctly, they might also need to deal correctly should the opportunity present itself.

Virtually no one believes that a game-changer is in this year's collegiate class, with Irving and Derrick Williams as the close contenders. In addition, should the likes of Nash and Parker get dealt, there's no guarantee they can provide the impact they used to. Otherwise, they wouldn't be at the center of trade talks in the first place.

But although no one pick or trade could put a team over the top this year, a series of good moves and selections could provide a good stepping stone. At the least, it will give teams, players and owners something to distract them before the likely lockout consumes all their attention.

For now, the biggest stories in the NBA are still the draft, the top picks, and the potential trades in the middle -- at least during Thursday night's selection show.

Sources

USA TODAY- "Nash brings out NBA, soccer stars for charity"

Kansas City Star- "Trade rumors swirl on eve of NBA draft"